For the most part, mosquito safety for children is not much different from mosquito safety for adults. Most repellents that can be used to protect adults can be safely used to protect children. However, children can be more at risk for certain mosquito-borne diseases and infection from bites. The best way to prevent disease and infection is to keep children from being bitten.
Risks
Several factors contribute to whom mosquitoes bite, but the people most at risk are men, people with type O blood and people who are overweight. Children are no more at risk than adults, but they can be more sensitive to bites and therefore have a greater chance of experiencing symptoms and infection.
Consequences
Mosquito bites can cause infection and mosquito-borne diseases. Although rare, mosquito bites can also cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Scratching mosquito bites causes infection, and because children can become more irritated by bites than adults, their bites are more likely to become infected. Mosquito bites can cause diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. Though most mosquito-borne diseases are endemic mostly in tropical areas of the world, the West Nile virus can be found in the United States.
Disease in Children
Although West Nile virus is much more likely to be fatal or neuroinvasive to adults, neuroinvasive and fatal cases in children have been reported. Most of the fatal cases of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are in young children. If traveling to areas where any mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, it is necessary to do research and take the proper precautions.
Preventing Bites
Though there is no sure way to avoid mosquito bites, there are several repellents available. DEET, which the U.S. Army created in 1946, has grown into one of the most popular insect repellents since it was introduced to the general public in 1957. Available repellents contain between 4 and 100 percent DEET.
According to a Johns Hopkins University study, DEET is a relatively effective insect repellent because even if the smell does not deter mosquitoes, the taste might, which means even if a mosquito lands on you, there is a chance it won't bite. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that DEET is safe for short-term use. The EPA also reports that DEET is safe for children of all ages, though young children should not use DEET on their own.
Natural Repellents
Natural repellents such as citronella and oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective ingredients for mosquito repellents, but neither will keep your skin protected for as long as products containing large portions of DEET. If you see a negative reaction to any repellent, including DEET and natural products, wash off the repellent immediately and contact a poison-control center or your physician.
Area Repellents
Area repellents such as mosquito coils, lamps and candles are also available to increase protection.
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